By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

During this year’s 3A state wrestling tournament Feb. 15-16, Burns High School junior Mike Schaff suffered a spleen injury and wound up having emergency surgery in a Portland hospital.

When the cost of the hospital stay began to mount, Schaff’s teammates and friends took action. On Friday, Feb. 22, they canvassed the town, collecting cans and bottles from 10 a.m until dark. The following day, they set up a bake sale at the high school during the basketball playoff games. Each fund raiser raised more than $1,000, which was donated to the Schaff family for medical expenses.

The wrestlers’ team spirit really shone bright the day they were leaving Portland to return home. The team stopped by the hospital to visit Schaff and wish him well. After they departed, the state championship trophy they had just won remained in Schaff’s room.

The public is invited to a benefit dinner for Schaff at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Burns Elks Lodge. Along with the dinner, there will be a silent auction and a “slave auction” where the wrestlers will be auctioned off.